Origin
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn is a native North American plant species belonging to the genus Penstemon and family Plantaginaceae. The plant is endemic to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Common Names
P. clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is commonly known as Mojave Beardtongue or Cleveland's beardtongue. These common names are derived from the plant's native habitat and the appearance of its flowers, which have a tuft of hairs or "beard" on the lower lip of the corolla.
Uses
The plant is valued for its ornamental and ecological uses. It is a popular garden plant because of its showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and bees. P. clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis also plays an important ecological role in providing food and shelter to several species of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds.
General Appearance
P. clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 m tall and 0.75 m wide. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 12 cm long and arranged opposite each other on the stem. The plant produces a cluster of tubular, lavender-blue flowers with a tuft of white hairs on the lower lip of the corolla. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are followed by small, brown capsules containing several tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn typically requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. The plant thrives in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some shade, excessive shade can lead to poor growth and performance.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the Mojave Desert and requires a warm and dry climate for growth. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including high heat and cold temperatures. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the plant. Temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for growth.
Soil Requirements
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The ideal soil is sandy or rocky, with good drainage and minimal organic matter. The plant is adapted to low-nutrient, dry soils and does not require or tolerate frequent watering or fertilization. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot and decreased growth.
Cultivation
The best conditions for cultivating Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn are in full sunlight with well-drained soil. The plant thrives in dry conditions and prefers soil that is not too rich in nutrients. It is important to plant the Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn in a location where it has enough room to grow, and with plenty of airflow to prevent powdery mildew.
Watering Needs
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn is a drought-tolerant plant. Therefore, it requires little to moderate watering. Typically, it won't need any supplemental watering after it has been established. It's best to water when the soil is completely dry, and this plant needs to be watered deeply instead of frequently, so it's good to soak the soil well when watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not always required, and it should be done when the plant looks poorly and is growing slowly. Use a 5-10-5 fertilizer, or another fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content. Fertilize twice a year - in the spring and during late summer, when the plant is dormant. Avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn does not require heavy pruning. Once blooming has finished, you can remove the dead flowers to stimulate new growth. You should also remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage to prevent them from infecting the rest of the plant. The plant grows very slowly, so avoid cutting back hard as it may take several years to recover.
Propagation Methods for Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis (Keck) McMinn, commonly known as Mohave beardtongue or Cleveland's beardtongue, is a native perennial plant species found in Southern California. Propagation of this plant can be done through multiple methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is through seeds. The best time to collect seeds is when the pods have turned brown and are fully ripe. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant them, either in the fall or early spring.
To propagate through seeds, plant them in a seedling tray or pot with a well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds about ΒΌ inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist. Provide the seedlings with some shade until they have grown a few inches tall and are ready to be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
The second propagation method for Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is through stem cuttings. Collect cuttings during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The stems should be at least 2-3 inches long and have 2-3 leaves attached.
Prepare the cuttings by removing the lower leaves and dipping the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Provide the cutting with some shade until it has rooted and is ready to be planted in its permanent location.
Division Propagation
The final propagation method for Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is through division. This method is best done in the early spring before the plant begins its active growth phase. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections.
Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. Provide them with some shade until they have acclimated and are ready for full sun exposure. Keep the newly divided plants well-watered for the first few weeks until they have established themselves.
Propagation of Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis can be done successfully through seeds, cuttings, or division methods. Each method has its advantages, but the most common method is through seeds due to its ease and accessibility.
Disease Management
Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is generally a hardy plant and not prone to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that can still affect it.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant leaves. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid planting Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis in infected soil, and rotate the planting area to prevent the disease from recurring.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that can cause the plant's leaves and stems to turn brown and become distorted. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry and to remove any infected parts of the plant immediately. To prevent the disease from spreading, avoid watering the plant from above, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Penstemon clevelandii Gray var. mohavensis is susceptible to damage from pests. Here are some common pests that may target this plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to become weakened. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the aphids. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to the garden to help control the aphid population.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, it is important to keep the plant hydrated and to spray it with water regularly to help keep the spider mite population under control. You can also introduce natural predators like predatory mites and lacewings to the garden to help control the spider mite population.
